For Lori and David, giving blood is a part of their love story. While they didn’t meet at a blood drive or donation center, David encouraged Lori to become a blood donor when they first started dating.

“He held my hand during my first donation. Now he has my hand forever. That was over 40 years ago,” said Lori.

The couple would occasionally go together for their blood donation appointments. Until a medical issue forced David to stop giving, he’d donated an impressive 146 units. Lori continues to give and loves to donate at different donation centers across her region. She has now given over 133 units.

“I have been a nurse for over 40 years and see the need for blood. It’s nice to know my blood is out there going to those in need. I’ve been tracking to see how many states my blood has traveled to. So far, it’s gone to 13 different states. I love that the Blood Donor App has the blood journey.”

In honor of Valentine’s Day, why not grab your loved one and come to give blood? Together, you can do something meaningful.